reflex I don’t bother fighting. She has no concept of my blistering contempt for her. Fuck remaining civil. We’ve been engaging in playful banter until this point. With that offhanded comment she flung at me earlier, a battle has been launched. It will be brutal and bloody with only one of us coming out victorious.
Now this, I’m willing to wager millions on. Vannah Simons will curse the moment she decided to take me on. Her recent attack might have hit the intended target, but it was a lucky shot. I’m done going easy on her. She won’t land another hit without feeling the backlash.
With that in mind, I drain the whiskey in my glass and bid my so-called company a silent farewell. I have a hellion to capture.
The navigation system squawks from my dashboard as I steer into the abandoned parking lot. At least three warehouses in this area of north Minneapolis lay vacant. It’s the prime section to begin our search for Landon’s precious expansion. Multiple options in a single, convenient location. It’s a win in my book, and I’m looking to rack up as many of those as I can in this case.
I pull in near the front office door and cut the engine. A blinding glare off my windshield reminds me to grab a pair of sunglasses as I mentally prepare for battle. When I step out, a low whistle escapes me from the barren sight. Each direction shows the same—empty structures with zero activity across the commercial landscape. Talk about desolate. Even the air smells void of energy. Maybe he’ll get a discount—buy two, get one free.
After the way we parted yesterday, I have an added bounce in my stilettos. I’ll admit to being a bit stunned at receiving an email from Landon last night. He wanted to visit several properties from the list I’d sent him, at my earliest convenience. Shock dropped my jaw while I read his message. I’d almost convinced myself that he planned to get me fired for stabbing at an obvious sore spot yesterday. It wouldn’t have surprised me to receive a call from Vince demanding my resignation. But I’m not complaining about remaining gainfully employed.
A glance to my left reveals the man himself, in all his tailored-suit glory. Sunlight glints along Landon’s hair, making the strands appear more golden. The morning rays bathe him without judgment as if he’s ethereal. I’m well aware of what’s hiding beneath that surface beauty, though. That doesn’t stop me from pasting a smile on my face.
In return, he shoots me with his signature scowl.
Ah, there’s the asshole I’ve learned to deflect shit from. Damn him for looking more delicious than fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls.
I wave at him for professionalism’s sake—and for the ingrained desperation for a promotion. That doesn’t mean I can’t needle him a little. “Good morning, Lannie.”
“It certainly is, Savannah. Doesn’t this gorgeous weather just scream success?” His voice is flat as ever, but the greeting is horrifically too cheery for him.
Suspicion rises before I can snap my fingers. “Um, what?”
Landon stretches his arms out. “Just soak in all that vitamin D, sugar. It’ll do wonders for your mood.”
I nearly gouge my heel on a dip in the pavement as his words register. “Did you spike your coffee this morning?”
“Alcohol before noon isn’t my style. No offense, of course. Some people need that boost to get going.”
I slant my lips in a crooked grin. “Are you suggesting I fall into that category?”
His broad shoulders lift in a lazy shrug. “No judgment from me.”
“Yeah, right.” I narrow my eyes. “I wouldn’t be drunk on the clock, thank you very much.”
“But I wouldn’t blame you. This type of work must be very dull.”
“Actually, I chose this profession on purpose,” I clarify. “It’s fun for me to show off buildings, imagining the fresh potential and changes that a new owner could bring.”
“Your definition of fun doesn’t align with mine.” Landon’s shrewd gaze skewers me from his upturned nose. Pompous jerk.
A laugh trips off my tongue. “Oh, phew. You almost had me concerned.”
“Meaning?”
“For a minute there, I thought you were turning over a new leaf. Your arrogance must’ve been sleeping in. I’m glad it was a temporary glitch.” I wipe my brow for emphasis.
His expression sobers, erasing all traces of tension. “My apologies. It isn’t my intention to cause you distress.”
The air in my lungs vacates with a whoosh. I’m positive my gaping resembles a fish out of water. “Now you’re officially freaking me out.”